noun
orient
The iridescent luster of a pearl.
The pearl's orient reveals soft rainbow colors as light shifts.
Etymology
Orient had associations with the east and with the brilliance of sunrise. In pearl terminology, it names the distinctive shimmering luster seen across the surface.
More examples
- The jeweler tilts the pearl to examine its orient.
- Collectors value the fine orient of these natural pearls.
- A dull pearl lacks the vivid orient of this one.
Similar words
- luster
- Luster describes reflected shine without necessarily including shifting colors.
- iridescence
- Iridescence describes shifting rainbow colors on many surfaces, not just pearls.